Why Facebook Is Like My Mom (Also Known As Why I Can't See My Friends)

I debated long and hard about writing a post about the changes of Facebook.

In the end, I decided the soul of Kansas City Mamas is about living a great life for less (whether that be less resources, less money, or less frustration).

And because of that…you have a right to know why Facebook is acting like your mom.

A few weeks ago, Facebook had a ~~hugely~~ ~~semi-successful~~ not embarrassing IPO. At the same time, they instituted a new algorithm (fancy speak for tech way of doing things) for what you “can see” and “not see” in your Facebook News Feed.

When all this was happening, Facebook sent me an email letting me know that only 15% of my posts on Facebook were going to be seen by “friends” or “fans”.

Mom: No, dear. I know your friends want to tell you about their great vacation, but you can’t see it right now. It’s not that important. Maybe some other time….

After that, Facebook sent me another email letting me know that I could start promoting my posts on Facebook for a fee so that all of my “friends” could see it. ($$$ = 100%. No $$$ = 15%.)

Me: But, I like my friends, mom? Why can’t I see them?

Mom: Well, because your Dad has a friend who has a son named Eugene. And they paid for you to go and listen to him. And that is what you are going to do.

So unless I “buy my friendship” or you are “liking”, “sharing”, or “interacting” with me on Facebook, Facebook has decided that we are no longer friends and is limiting the number of times Kansas City Mamas (or any page, friend, or organization) shows up in your feed to only 1 – 2 out 10 times.

This means, I may have posted 15 things that day, but you will only see two. Sweet, huh?

So What Can You Do To Fix This?

First, I want you to see Kansas City Mamas (or any organization) in your feed because you want to see the updates.

Believe me, I get that I post a ton.

And if it is too much “clutter” in your feed, that’s cool. Sometimes you don’t have enough bandwidth to see Mary’s vacation photos and hear about a deal on Purex at Target.

But I never want you thinking, “Is this all she is posting?” when there is so much more.

So, if want to see certain personalities, organizations, websites, or manufacturers in your feed, you need to make a comment on their updates or press the “Like” Button under their post.

Another way to guarantee the news feed – go to Kansas City Mamas Facebook Page – Click the BIG “Like” button again (even if you are already in LIKE) and choose “Show in News Feed.”

Or you can click the “Like” button and create a special list (referred to as “New List”) for all of your favorite websites.

Is this going to get every post from Kansas City Mamas or your favorite website in your feed? Nope.

Why? See above about Facebook’s IPO.

But, there is good news. I hear we can by-pass Facebook (also referred to as a sneak around) so you can always get all of the content from Kansas City Mamas (or any website) by…

Check the Kansas City Mamas Website directly.
Sign up for the once a day email newsletter or RSS feed.
Follow me on Twitter.

I provided this information, not as a way to say “Go make sure Kansas City Mamas is in your feed!” but as a way for you to have control over your Facebook information. I will continue to provide relevant content to help you live a great life for less. That will never change. I just want you to have control over what you are seeing – because time is precious and any way we can be more efficient – is a good thing.